An Integrative Review of Micro-Credentials and Digital Badges for Pharmacy Educators

Sarah E Vordenberg; Nicholas M Fusco; Kristina E Ward; Andrew Darley; Jessica H Brady; Nicole S Culhane; Muhammad J Habib; Eliud Hernandez; Pamela M Moye; Shankar Munusamy; Jacob T Painter; Nathan Pope; T Lynn Stevenson; Kathryn Vanderboll; Patricia A Chase; Rae R Matsumoto

doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100660

An Integrative Review of Micro-Credentials and Digital Badges for Pharmacy Educators

Am J Pharm Educ. 2024 Mar;88(3):100660. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100660. Epub 2024 Jan 24.

Authors

Sarah E Vordenberg¹, Nicholas M Fusco², Kristina E Ward³, Andrew Darley⁴, Jessica H Brady⁵, Nicole S Culhane⁶, Muhammad J Habib⁷, Eliud Hernandez⁸, Pamela M Moye⁹, Shankar Munusamy¹⁰, Jacob T Painter¹¹, Nathan Pope¹², T Lynn Stevenson¹³, Kathryn Vanderboll¹⁴, Patricia A Chase¹⁵, Rae R Matsumoto¹⁶

Affiliations

¹ University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
² University at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA. Electronic address: nmfusco@buffalo.edu.
³ University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy, Kingston, RI, USA.
⁴ University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA.
⁵ University of Louisiana Monroe, College of Pharmacy, Monroe, LA, USA.
⁶ Notre Dame of Maryland University, School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA.
⁷ Howard University, College of Pharmacy, Washington, DC, USA.
⁸ University of Puerto Rico, School of Pharmacy, San Juan, PR, USA.
⁹ Mercer University, College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA.
¹⁰ Drake University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Des Moines, IA, USA.
¹¹ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, AR, USA.
¹² The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX, USA.
¹³ Auburn University, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn, AL, USA.
¹⁴ University of Michigan, Taubman Health Sciences Library, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
¹⁵ Oregon State University, College of Pharmacy, Corvallis, OR, USA.
¹⁶ University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, CA, USA.

PMID: 38272238
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100660

Abstract

Micro-credentials (MCs) and digital badges (DBs) have gained popularity in recent years as a means to supplement traditional degrees and certifications. MCs and DBs can play a significant role in supporting student-centered learning by offering personalized and flexible learning pathways, emphasizing real-world relevance and practical skills, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. However, barriers currently exist within health professions education, including pharmacy education, that could limit the full adoption and implementation of MCs and DBs. Research on the use of MCs and DBs in Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs is sparse. In this integrative review, literature on the use of MCs and DBs in health professions education is reviewed, and perspectives on the benefits, issues, and potential future uses within Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs are presented.

Keywords: Competency-based education; Digital badges; Health professions; Micro-credentials.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Curriculum
Education, Pharmacy*
Humans
Learning
Pharmaceutical Services*
Pharmacy*